Since coverage under Medicaid expansion began in July 2016, more than 400,000 working Louisianans have gained access to health care. But, it’s not just access. It’s the insurance coverage that pays for treatments that were once too costly for many people. Below are the stories of some of these newly covered residents.

As a pediatric occupational therapist, I work with children who have special health care needs or developmental disabilities- 90% of my patients are on Medicaid and/or children's choice waiver. Repeal of ACA would significantly limit their ability to obtain desperately needed therapies and increase out of pocket costs.

MelissaKenner

A new enrollee stated that she really appreciates her coverage that the chance to complete a health screening. She is extremely excited about being on the plan. It’s like “Christmas in July” to her. So thankful, really needs the coverage due to recent financial issues and not being able to go to doctor’s appointments and receive medical services.

MemberAmeriHealth Caritis

I'm a double organ transplant recipient and the cost of transplant meds are extremely high. Dialysis is almost 24000/mth, more than the meds. So what is more beneficial? the meds of course. Without the meds anyone that has had a transplant and proper care, would end back on dialysis, which is no way to live plus trying to work to provide for our families.

KelliBaton Rouge

Because of expansion, I was able to see my gynecologist and primary care physician. I had been suffering from bad migraines but now have meds. In addition, the doctor discovered a thyroid problem that is now being treated.

RenottaNew Orleans

I’m 64 and have worked all of my life. I am finally covered because of Medicaid expansion thanks to Gov. Edwards. As a single mother who raised a daughter without needing welfare, I know how hard it can be when someone gets sick.

Margie Together Louisiana MemberHammond

Because of LaCHIP and expansion, my family me and my two kids (one with a disability) are now all covered. This is important as I have Crohn’s disease.

JulieLafourche Parish

I am an unemployed single mother, who has high blood pressure, arthritis and get cold/flu/ upper respiratory illnesses yearly. If Medicaid is cut I would not be able to get my medications and other medical treatment, especially the prevention visits. There are several people like myself having trouble obtaining stable employment and some employed but still don't make enough to purchase health insurance.

Tammy Together Louisiana MemberHammond

My sister is diabetic and has a neurological condition. The ACA’s Medicaid expansion provides her health care for the first time in about 8 years since she last worked. Her husband has post-polio syndrome, and he is on social security disability. They live hand-to-mouth, each month's social security barely covering their food and basic necessities. If Medicaid is rolled back, my sister will not be able to afford health care and her health will severely deteriorate, once again.

Deborah Together Louisiana MemberLafayette

My friend has a terminal illness if not treated. Medicaid or the Affordable Care Act is necessary to keep him alive through medical appts, monitoring, lab work and medication.

Brenda Together Louisiana MemberWhite Castle

New enrollee was excited about coming onto the plan. She now has insurance and can receive the medications she needs. Her children have LaCHIP and she is now very appreciative of also becoming eligible.

Louisiana Health Care ConnectionsEligibility Staff

I can’t afford ins. On what I make, I was able to enroll in Medicaid and now I can get care for my heart condition along with high blood pressure.

Melvin Together Louisiana MemberBaton Rouge

We finally got Medicaid for my step daughter. I am fighting breast cancer, and she has no one but us. She also has a mental health illness, so she has been abandoned by everyone but us. We are Christians, and she is one of the least of these. My husband is almost 70, teaching at a college for teacher wages. We have spent so much on her care that our savings is small.

Jahn Together Louisiana MemberNew Orleans

I have a daughter who has coverage through the health care exchange and a granddaughter who now has coverage because of Medicaid expansion.

TammyDenham Springs

I work full time, but cannot afford to pay for insurance. I have several major health issues that I can now get treated. I would die without coverage.

Flora Together Louisiana MemberZachary

Without Medicaid expansion, I would not be able to have health care coverage.

Sand Together Louisiana Member Sunshine

The Medicaid expansion has given me the ability to see the doctor as much as I need. Without this coverage, I cannot afford insurance, its co-pays and the cost of medications.

Randolyn Together Louisiana MemberBaton Rouge

Medicaid expansion has given me access to health care and to mental health care.

Ranji Together Louisiana MemberBaker

My daughter and grandson are covered by the Medicaid expansion. Her husband is a 3rd year medical student and they need the coverage.

Todd Together Louisiana MemberShreveport

I am a part-time student and a mother of three. Until expansion, I did not have coverage because I couldn't afford it. I can now get the care I need from a doctor.

JeriDenham Springs

My friend would not be able to afford to pay for health insurance. But because of the ACA, he now has coverage through Medicaid. He is hard-working, self-employed and is 60 years old and he now can go to the doctor for checkups and his prescriptions.

Margaret Together Louisiana MemberPrairieville

I am already struggling to keep benefits under Medicaid expansion long enough to get initial medical services after being released from incarceration for less than 90 days. I will soon earn more money and won’t be able to keep this coverage, but until that time, while trying to reestablish my life, it is good to know that I can get care when I need it. Any changes to the program will only make people in my position less able to obtain much needed healthcare benefits.

Kerry Together Louisiana MemberPort Allen

I am now covered and can see a doctor because of Medicaid expansion. I am worried that Washington will take this away and I will become uninsured.

Together Louisiana MemberNew Orleans

Received a called from a member who was so overjoyed with having insurance, she could not be more excited. She stated she was always busy taking care of her mother and never taking care of herself. She said she was never able to get medical coverage and was recently unemployed, she felt like she was having some medical issues and really could not afford a doctor. Rep was able to provide her with a PCP and also advised her of the benefits for dental. The member was so happy she asked to speak to the supervisor to say thanks for educating her and to ACLA for just being available to help people like her.

AmeriHealth Caritis

Because of expansion I am able to see my doctor and it’s been a big help with making sure I can refill my medications in a timely manner. I’ve also been able to go to the eye doctor.